Flowers That Are Poisonous to Cats

By
Carrie Epstein

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carrie Epstein

Carrie Epstein has been a magazine writer since 2000 and has been published in "Woman's Day" and "Parents." She specializes in lifestyle and human interest articles. She received her Master of Arts in journalism from Pace University in New York.

Know what type of plants and flowers can be deadly to your cat.

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Plants are a visually appealing addition to any home, but cat owners need to pay careful attention before bringing home a plant. Cats naturally tend to nibble on leaves. Placing plants up high is no quick fix because limber kitties will jump up on furniture to chew on leaves when you are not around. The best course of action is to identify which types of plants cause harm to cats and keep them out of your house. There are more than 700 individual kinds of flowers and foliage which can harm cats. Yet there are specific types of plants to keep your eye on and leave at the florist shop.

Lilies

Lilies are deadly when ingested by cats.

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Countless types of lilies are available today including tiger lilies, day lilies and Easter lilies. They pose a particular danger because lilies are a common flower placed in general bouquets so be sure to inspect each bunch. Cats will typically begin vomiting upon consuming these flowers. They will stop eating, become sluggish and can reach full kidney failure within 36 to 72 hours after lily ingestion.

Begonias

Pink begonias are more dangerous to cats than most.

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There are more than 1,000 species of begonias and more than 10,000 hybrid variations of the flower. Begonia poisoning in cats starts with excessive drooling and mouth inflammation. It can progress into vomiting and hinder swallowing. The most dangerous form of begonias for cats are tubers, which are brown bulbs that emerge into begonias with pink or white flowers.

Daffodils

Daffodils have devastating effects on felines.

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Daffodils look innocent enough but can have devastating effects on your cat including vomiting and diarrhea, which progresses to tremors and convulsions. The bulbs of the plant pose the highest risk of toxicity.

Daises

Blossoming daisies can be harmful when ingested.

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Also known as chrysanthemums or mums, these pretty flowers cause vomiting, diarrhea and drooling when ingested.

Ferns

Ferns are harmful to the liver.

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These prickly plants are very dangerous to felines. Symptoms include dark stools and diarrhea. Left untreated, fern poisoning can result in liver failure and death from swallowing just one seed.

Onions

Onions can cause a cat to have an accelerated heart rate.

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Would you believe onions cat be toxic to cats? Felines have a very sensitive digestive tract and onions cause anemia, faintness, blood in urine and accelerated heart rate. This category includes leeks and scallions.

Tomato Plants

Tomato plant leaves can be hazardous to cats when ingested.

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The leaves of this seemingly harmless plant pose a serious health risk when ingested. Common symptoms of poisoning include altered behavior, enlarged pupils, diarrhea, vomiting and decelerated heart rate.